If you’ve noticed little black dots on your legs, you may have what is commonly referred to as ‘strawberry legs’. If you happen to feel a tad insecure about this (let’s be clear, completely normal) skin texture and would like some handy tips, we’re here for that.
The appearance of strawberry legs is caused by hair follicles or enlarged pores that contain a trapped mixture of oil, bacteria, and dead skin. When these fair follicles or clogged pores are exposed to air, they oxidize and turn dark.
So, what causes strawberry legs?
There are quite a few different things that can cause the appearance of strawberry legs.
Keratosis pilaris
Keratosis pilaris (known as KP) can usually be found in the overly dry areas of the skin – the upper arms, legs and bum, and typically results in the appearnce of small, hard covered bumps that give the skin a rough appearance. The texture of keratosis pilaris can look like goosebumps or tiny pimples and is sometimes also referred to as chicken skin.
KP is caused by the build-up of keratin in the body. When there is an excess of this skin protein, it can cause dead skin cells to block hair follicles in the skin. This blockage can also cause inflammation, which is what causes the redness around each hair follicle. The condition appears as tiny red bumps on the skin’s surface, and can sometimes cause irritation and itchiness. It’s unknown why some people develop an excess of keratin, and therefore keratosis pilaris, however, we do know it’s hereditary. The condition does typically get better over time, so it can be less prevalent as you age.
Keratosis pilaris can often look different on the skin throughout the year. It’s often worse in winter when the air is drier. When it’s humid and the sun is out, KP is often far less noticeable on the skin.
How do you treat keratosis pilaris?
If you’d like to treat or lessen the appearance of your keratosis pilaris, there are a number of things you can do.
- If you gently exfoliate your skin regularly with a body scrub, it can help to dissolve dead skin cells and help smooth out bumpy skin.
- Try and avoid a scolding hot shower (we know, they sometimes feel necessary). Warm water will cause less irritation.
- After showering, gently pat the skin dry and then apply a soothing moisturizing lotion that contains glycerine, petroleum jelly, or lanolin. It’s important to keep the skin hydrated.
- Try and avoid wearing tight clothing.
- Scratching the bumps can be tempting, though we recommend trying to refrain.
Some over-the-counter medicated creams can also help to relieve symptoms. With ingredients like urea, alpha-hydroxy acids, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and retinoids (vitamin A), these creams can help to break down excess keratin and remove dead skin cells. These chemicals can sometimes cause dry skin and skin irritation, so they may not always be suitable. It’s important to always speak with the chemist to ensure these options are right for you.
Keratosis pilaris which has become red and inflamed can also be treated successfully with laser therapy. Laser hair removal destroys the hair follicle and keratin that is causing the KP. So even if you don’t have hair on the areas you have KP, it’s an effective method of treatment.
When we don’t shave the right way
When we shave with an old, dull razor, or without lubrication, it can sometimes cause strawberry legs.
Razor burn can also lead to strawberry legs and even folliculitis. Not shaving the right way can also result in pesky ingrown hairs.
For some, ingrown hairs can give the appearance of chicken skin or strawberry legs. For our girlies with thick body hair, this can often be the case.
If you experience skin irritation from shaving, the skin around the hair follicle may darken, resulting in the appearance of dark spots.
This simple routine will leave your legs ☁️ smooth ☁️ and your skin tone even, guaranteed.
Exfoliate
Give your legs a little TLC with an exfoliating body scrub – this will remove the dead skin cells and any excess build up in clogged pores. Gentle chemical exfoliants with salicylic acid or glycolic acid work wonders.
Shave
Here at Vivre, we know there’s shaving, and then there’s ✨shaving ✨. For the ultimate shave, make sure you’re using a sharp razor head (we recommend switching out your blade every 10 or so shaves) and a moisturizing shaving cream. Never ever dry shave, we beg of you!
Lather up, hunny
After shaving, make sure you lather up with a good quality moisturiser. We’re actually very partial to body oil at the moment – it just leaves your legs sooo smooth and glowy.
Clogged pores
We have pores everywhere on our cute bodies, and our legs are no exception. When our pores become clogged with bacteria, dead skin cells, and debris, they take on a dark appearance and look like lil strawberry seeds.
Clogged pores are known as open comedones. When the oil inside a clogged pore is exposed to air, it oxidizes and turns dark.
Thick body hair often comes hand in hand with larger pores, making the dark spots a bit more obvious.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is commonly caused by bacterial or fungal infections, resulting in a rash or tiny pimples. If you’ve been exposed to bacteria, yeast, fungus, or a hot tub where the PH levels haven’t been properly regulated, it can cause the infection to occur.
The condition can also be associated with ingrown hairs that are struggling to break through, which can give the skin a dotted or pitted appearance that may resemble strawberry legs.
How do you treat folliculitis?
Folliculitis has multiple treatments, depending on the severity and how it is presenting.
If you have irritated hair follicles that are accompanied by a rash, pus-filled or smelly bumps or a fever, you must seek medical assistance.
If you have acute folliculitis, your doctor may recommend over the counter treatment options. For example:
- antihistamines for the pain and itchiness
- Topical or oral antibiotics or antifungal treatments to address the cause of the infection
If you have chronic folliculitis, it can sometimes be a bit tricky to treat. You may be advised to try laser therapy.
How to know if you have strawberry legs?
Although a variety of different factors and conditions can result in strawberry legs, there’s one major tell tale sign if you have it (ahem, dark pores or spots on the skin).
If you’re experiencing other symptoms alongside the appearance of strawberry legs, it may suggest there is an underlying infection and it is advised you seek medical assistance.
How do you get rid of strawberry skin?
Strawberry skin can be treated through home remedies or through professional treatment in a clinical setting. Home remedies are always a good place to start if you don’t have any major concerns about your strawberry skin being anything more than its appearance as dark pores.
We’ve said it once, and we will say it again (we love harping on about a nice lil shaving ritual). Making sure you’re shaving with a moisturizing shaving cream or body wash is a must. We then want to make sure you’re moisturizing daily, and exfoliating your legs regularly (around two to three times a week).
Exfoliating with a chemical exfoliant like a glycolic or salicylic acid are a great next step if a manual exfoliator isn’t doing the trick.
When it comes to professional treatment, there are two main options.
Laser therapy
With laser therapy, you will need to have around two to six sessions for an effective result. Permanent hair removal prevents dead skin, oil and bacteria from getting trapped in open pores which is what can cause the appearance of strawberry legs.
Exfoliating with a chemical exfoliant like a glycolic or salicylic acid are a great next step if a manual exfoliator isn’t doing the trick.
When it comes to professional treatment, there are two main options.
Laser therapy
With laser therapy, you will need to have around two to six sessions for an effective result. Permanent hair removal prevents dead skin, oil and bacteria from getting trapped in open pores which is what can cause the appearance of strawberry legs.
Just remember, strawberry legs are super normal
You don’t need to stress about textured skin – it’s completely normal and you don’t have to do anything to remove or ‘fix’ it if you don’t want to. You can take these tips and apply them, or you can throw them out the window. Honestly, we think babes who have strawberry legs are literally so cute <3
